Light and airy.

Basic logic tells us that more ventilation equates to less materials, meaning that a well ventilated helmet should, in theory, be lightweight. However, comparing the the Louis Garneau Diamond II to the Quartz II turns this logic on its head. You see, while the Diamond II has the most ventilation ports of any helmet on the market, 40 in total, it comes in 35 grams heavier than the 33-vent, 285 gram Quartz II. Surely, some engineering wizardry is at work.

So, how did Garneau do it? Essentially, it was accomplished through its patented Super MSB (Monocoque Structural Base) and a careful material selection. Basically, these two components work in unison to eliminate the commonality of rib construction in helmets. As Garneau puts it, the prior means of manufacturing adds weight and minimizes the amount of potential ventilation, all the while without increasing safety. And while all of that sounds pointless and archaic, the solution was complicated from engineering standpoint.

The path to the Quartz II took a few steps. The Super MSB structure is basically a supportive base that's akin to an exoskeleton. It has a polycarbonate, monocoque construction, meaning that it's formed in one piece. This reinforces the perimeter of the helmet, while supporting the carbon composite skeleton reinforcement with confidence -- and this is where the rib-replacement comes into play. Together, the two systems position two polycarbonate bars within the helmet structure, with an additional nine carbon fiber bridge inserts. The system provides targeted structural support to the helmet in the case of collision. For further reinforcement, the entire structure is created with In-Mold construction. This means that the helmet's shell and foam liner are molded together at the same time.

With Garneau's new structural design, it was able to increase the ventilation without degrading strength. But Garneau wasn't finished with the Quartz II's comfort. The helmet features what Garneau calls its Evacuation Channels. These ports in the helmet provide an increased airflow over the head, while creating a dispersion of internal moisture. To secure the helmet, Garneau incorporated its Spiderlock PRO II stabilizing system that permits one-handed adjustments to the helmet's retention. It also has a polymer neck support and an anti-slip turn-wheel for precise and secure adjustment. At the chinstrap, the Diamond II comes equipped with cam-locking device that simplifies the process of dialing-in the helmet's fit. And lastly, Garneau also included X-static XT2 padding internally for its antimicrobial, comforting support.

For a touch of added safety in low-light conditions, the helmet also comes equipped with Garneau's Spiderlock Vision Light that mounts to the turn buckle of the Spiderlock.

The Louis Garneau Quartz II Helmet is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Black, Matte Black, Red, and White Customizable.

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Great Helmet

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This recent purchase was a replacement for the same LG helmet that broke during a fall. I fell backwards twice, 20 minutes apart (practicing CX), the second fall finally rendering the strap in the rear unusable. Cracked the shell as well. These helmets hold up well, are comfortable, measure true to size, and are cool in the summer. A skull cap in the winter is all I really to stay warm (down to almost freezing). I haven't tried many other helmets. I doubt I will. The LG works great for me.

Helmet

Comment on Roger Estrada's review:

Very nice helmet

Familiarity: I've used it several times

I've mostly been a Giro guy since I gave yp my old Bell bowl in the mid 80's. I was impressed by the reviews of this helmet and the sale price. Now I'm really impressed by the helmet and thrilled with the sale price. Great system for fit adjustment and strap adjustment. Didn't come with the light that was advertised, though. Holds my Contour HD camera with not problem . Nice color (grey/hi-viz yellow) and very good air venting. It's not the lightest helmet I've had but at 225lbs I'm not the lightest rider. I've used it in warm and cold weather for 16.5 mile daily commute and the adjustment to allow a cycling cap or beanie is really simple and efficient I've been using it for about two months.

Comment on Tom Dempsey's review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Great deal at $60 but the ad is wrong

Familiarity: I've used it several times

The Quartz II is a very nice helmet and the removable safety light is unique. The helmet fits well and seems very well thought out. I find it to be perfectly adequate for my daily rides. It weighs 300+ grams though, NOT 250 as claimed in the ad description. So if you think you are getting a ultra-light helmet, like I did, you will be slightly disappointed.

Comment on David M.'s review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Comfortable, vented, included tail light

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This is a solid helmet from LG. The quick dial tightening system is always appreciated, and it makes fitting the helmet on very easy, and you can adjust quickly during a ride. My helmet shipped with a red flashing taillight button that velcros to the adjustment knob at the back. I always use this when riding around rush hours and have definitely noticed cars paying more attention to me because of the light - which has virtually no weight impact whatsoever. I always keep the light on there even when I don't turn it on, and the velcro is strong enough that it feels like the light is built into the dial. I've rode with the light blinking for a combined 1000km and it's still going strong.

The straps are fairly easy to adjust, but with my particular head shape, there is some extra webbing that seems to slap me in the face on descents. I could cut it, but it's not that big of a deal.

I've never crashed with it, so I can't talk about safety, and let's hope I don't have to update this post with new info on that front...

Comment on Brian Chin's review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

I'll keep it, but buy something else

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Before buying this helmet, i thought the focus on ventilation of helmets was, well, a big wank. They all have vents. I was wrong. I live in Adelaide, Australia, where summer is very hot and very dry. I feel absolutely no ventilation at all. My 10 yr old, upper mid range specialized helmet is far, far superior (and a tiny bit lighter). Other than that, this helmet is very comfortable and stays put. There is one section of the retention system that looks rather thin and prone to snapping, but hey, i haven't done it yet. I'll keep this helmet for two reasons. 1) winter is inevitably coming 2) my wife will lose it if i buy another helmet now.

Comment on Michael P.'s review:

Incredibly Well Ventilated Helmet

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I seem to go from helmet to helmet trying out just about anything I can get my hands on, and having spent several summers riding in Arizona, the Quartz stands out as one of the most well ventilated and breathable helmets I've worn. The vents on this helmet are massive and really allow air to cool you off. Louis Garneau's retention system isn't my favorite, but once the helmet is on it's' fairly comfortable. One nice feature is that the fairly thick padding on the front of the helmet. White helmets always looks pro, but the matte helmet is pretty cool. too.